Community Grant Program

Mildura Rural City Council's Community Grant Program provides opportunities for not-for-profit community groups to deliver innovative local projects and programs that support Council’s vision of "making this the most liveable, people-friendly community in Australia”.

The Community Grant Program aims to:

• Facilitate and support initiatives that strengthen the community through opportunities for participation, development, arts, inclusion, the environment and sustainability
• Support a range of interest areas including health and wellbeing, community support, community spirit, arts, history and culture, the environment, and access and equity
• Assist Council to deliver identified objectives, priorities and strategies and align with the Council Plan

How much is available?

Name	Maximum amount per application	Length of funding agreement	Rounds	Funding ratio
Large	$6,001 to $10,000	12 months	Closed	1:2
Small	Up to $6,000	12 months	Closed	Nil
Quick Response	Up to $2,000	12 months	Dec-May	Nil

When do grant applications open and close?

• Large and Small Grants: Applications open Monday 7 July and close 4pm, Monday 18 August 2025.
• Quick Response Grants: Applications open December 2025.

How do I apply for this grant?

Applications must be submitted electronically via Council’s online grants portal (Smartygrants). To start an application please call 03 5018 8100 and ask to speak to the Community Engagement Officer.

A preview of the grant application form is available below to assist you in preparing your application.

If you have any questions please call 03 5018 8100 and ask to speak to the Community Engagement Officer.

For more information please refer to the documents below:

• Community Grants Program Guidelines 2025-26
• Community Grants Program Policy
• Preview of the application form (this is a preview of the application form only - grant applications must be submitted electronically via Council's online grants portal SmartyGrants)
• Land Manager's Consent application
• Water and energy use guidelines for buildings and facilities

Applications must address the following mandatory criteria. If an application does not address the mandatory criteria, it will not be eligible for assessment: 

1. Provide details of all monetary and in-kind contributions (this must be in line with the requirements of the funding level, i.e. Large Grants 1:2).
2. Provide a plan for consultation/engagement.
3. Identify where the project aligns with the Council Plan 2025-2029.

Applications will be scored and assessed according to the following assessment criteria:

Criteria	Weighting
Clearly describe the project and how it addresses one or more of the program priority areas stated in the Community Grant Guidelines. Applications that address more than one priority area are encouraged.	30%
Provide clear evidence of a need for the project within the community.	20%
Provide an achievable plan for delivery of the project, including timeline and consideration of risk.	15%
Outline measures to be used to show if the project has been successful in achieving the stated outcome/s.	15%
Demonstrate consideration for: Inclusiveness and accessibility Being ‘inclusive’ and ‘accessible’ means welcoming everyone - regardless of age, gender, race and ability and that all people involved have an equal opportunity to participate at a level they choose.	10%
Social and environmental sustainability Includes supporting local businesses, employment of indigenous people or people with disabilities, promotion of environmentally friendly practices, purchase/use of products that consume minimal energy, water or other resources.	10%
Total	100%

Quick Response Grants Frequently Asked Questions